Ōnoki feared Sunagakure more than he feared the Leaf?
A flicker of irritation rose in Hiruzen's chest.
Even he had to admit Sunagakure was strong right now and that Rasa was dangerous. But stronger than Konoha? That didn't make sense.
What did Sunagakure even have? Three people worth ntioning — Rasa, Pakura, and Chiyo.
Konoha had him, Minato, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade on a half-return. That was already more than Sunagakure. And once Kushina finished giving birth, they could use the thod Yagura had shared to turn her into a near-perfect jinchuriki. With her Uzumaki bloodline stacked on top, she would beco a true perfect jinchuriki — stronger than Yagura ever was.
In terms of mid-tier ninja, the Leaf was also clearly ahead.
So why was Ōnoki more worried about Sunagakure than Konoha? Did he really think Jiraiya and Tsunade would never co back?
As for the Ninja World Big Events Weekly starting the age of voyages… Hiruzen believed the real reasons were the ocean itself and the Mist's collapse. The One Piece story was just a catalyst, not the root cause. If they serialized so random bandit king story, would that suddenly create an age of bandits? Ridiculous.
Hiruzen didn't think Sunagakure needed to be feared that much.
Which ant Ōnoki's real reason for saying all this was worth examining.
"I think we're fine," Hiruzen said evenly. "But if Iwagakure decides to pressure Sunagakure, the Leaf won't interfere. We might even lend a small hand."
"However, the Leaf taking the lead against them? We're not there yet."
"Ōnoki, we're both too old for gas. Speak plainly."
Ōnoki's smile stiffened for a second.
"You misunderstand , Hiruzen. I'm not trying to sow discord. I genuinely believe Sunagakure needs to be contained. They're changing too fast."
"Do you know what they've been building?"
Hiruzen's brow furrowed.
"Building what?"
"A massive structure called the Sun Disk. It's incredibly powerful."
Ōnoki continued, "Iwagakure lost dozens of ninja just to get this information. That thing could completely change the ninja world. And it doesn't even rely on the ocean."
Hiruzen's expression turned serious.
"The Leaf hasn't heard anything about this."
"Then I don't know what to tell you."
Hiruzen was quiet for a mont.
"Tsuchikage, excuse for a mont."
He stepped out of the Hokage Tower and headed to a secluded corner.
"Boom!"
The door opened into a narrow passage that quickly widened.
"Danzo!"
Hiruzen found him inside.
"Why didn't you report the intel from the Land of Wind?"
"Hm?"
"What is this Sun Disk? Why do I know nothing about it? I only found out because Ōnoki ca here and told himself."
Hiruzen wasn't actually worried about the Sun Disk itself. He was furious that he had been kept in the dark.
"Hiruzen, calm down. The Sun Disk isn't a big deal."
"What do you an it isn't a big deal?"
Danzo explained, "It's just a giant stationary building. From what I've heard, Sunagakure is using it to improve the land — turning desert into oasis. It's no threat to the Leaf."
"Even if they're guarding it heavily and think it's important, it doesn't affect us."
Hiruzen's frown deepened.
"Why wasn't it reported?"
Danzo finally realized Hiruzen was angry about the lack of reporting, not the structure itself. That realization made his temper flare.
"I already judged it, Hiruzen."
"I am the Hokage!"
Hiruzen's voice turned cold.
"From now on, don't make decisions like this on your own. I'll decide what's important and what isn't. You're responsible for gathering intelligence — nothing more."
He turned and left.
Danzo stared at his back, then slamd his fist into the wooden wall hard enough to crack it. Splinters flew everywhere.
"Hiruzen… you've gone too far!"
Back in the Hokage Tower, Hiruzen still didn't give Ōnoki a clear answer. He didn't fully believe either man. Ōnoki claid the Sun Disk could change the entire ninja era. Danzo claid it was harmless. Hiruzen trusted Danzo more, but he still wanted to see for himself.
He decided to send an elite team to investigate.
"Minato is the obvious choice for speed. Take a Nara, a Hyuga, and a Yamanaka with him."
The order went out imdiately.
The team was assembled within the hour.
Captain: Minato Namikaze.
mbers: Nara Shikaku, Hyuga Mago, Yamanaka Inoichi.
...
As the date of the Fifth Mizukage's inauguration drew closer, Sunagakure's delegation prepared to leave.
Pakura, Karura, Kankuro, and Temari walked Rasa to the village gate.
"Karura, I'm leaving the house to you."
"Pakura, the village is in your hands. If anything's unclear, ask Elder Chiyo."
"Temari, be good."
"Kankuro, listen to your sister."
Rasa climbed into the carriage.
A column of several hundred Sand ninja began moving slowly across the desert.
This trip to the Mist wasn't just about watching the new Mizukage take power. Rasa also planned to bring up the connection between Yagura and the fall of the Seven Ninja Swordsn in front of everyone — that alone could push his points past four thousand. And there was one more important goal.
He was going to accept the Land of Water daimyo's offer and form Sunagakure's own navigation group.
The ocean was too big. The resources too valuable. If Sunagakure stayed out of it, they would fall behind the other villages. And right now, Sunagakure needed resources more than ever.
The more resources they secured, the more Sun Disks they could build. The more Sun Disks they built, the more they could transform the desert into livable land.
"Sensei."
Baki approached the carriage.
"Baki, I'm putting you in charge of our navigation group. Any objections?"
"None, sensei. Whatever you order, I'll do."
Rasa nodded.
"Sunagakure is poor in resources. If we can secure a stable stretch of sea, it will be a massive benefit for the village. Fish, shrimp, shellfish, underwater plants… and most importantly, the minerals on the ocean floor. There could be as many down there as on land."
"This is going to be huge for us."
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